Q22. Can we exist without a belief in God?
There are atheists who deny the existence of God. They are in a way free from moral rules and the stings of conscience. However, the atheist finds no meaning and purpose of life. He misses the inspiration and consolation of religion. He misses the companionship of God and Guru, and has, no future to hope for.
Again, there are agnostics who are not certain about God, because they do not wish to get ‘involved’. They fear that religion may entail austerity and sacrifice. Such people regard religion as a gamble and are not prepared to take the plunge.
In Sikhism, the belief in the existence of God is a must. The disciple knows that God is knowable, but is not known to him. It is for him to study the scriptures and follow the instruction of the Guru to learn about God. A thorough knowledge, serious effort and steadfast devotion are necessary.
Moreover having a belief in God turns men’s minds to His qualities: love, justice, charity, mercy, peace, wisdom, truth, goodness and beauty. When we meditate on His qualities, we imbibe often unknowingly some of these traits. Throughout the ages, prophets have given their concepts of the Creator. To the Christians, God is revealed as a Trinity: God, His son Jesus and the Holy Ghost. The Hindus accept the theory of incarnation and affirm that God appears in human form to save the world at the times of crisis. Islam believes in the one God who gave his message to Mohammed the Prophet. This Sikh Gurus emphasize the unity of God. He is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer. He manifests himself as NAM, “The TRUTH” and “the WORD”.
Undoubtedly, you can live without a belief in God. You can inflate your ego. But the spirit will remain stunted and starved. You can develop the spirit only through spirituality, which means prioritizing a devotion to God.